Argentina defeats Switzerland 3-1 in World Cup quarter-final
Argentina advances to semi-finals
Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in a World Cup 2026 quarter-final match, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to 12 games. This winning streak dates back to the 2022 tournament in Qatar, keeping alive their ambition to become the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962. The match, characterized by compelling drama, saw Argentina ultimately break the deadlock in extra time.
The decisive goal came in the 112th minute from Julian Alvarez, who scored his first goal of this World Cup. Alvarez received a pass from Jose Manuel Lopez, who had entered the game in the 110th minute for Leandro Paredes. Taking a few touches on his right foot at the left edge of the penalty area, Alvarez fired a curling shot into the top right corner of the net.
Late goals secure victory
The 3-1 scoreline, however, might be misleading given the tight nature of the contest for much of the game. Lautaro Martinez initiated a counter-attack, laying the ball off to Thiago Almada. Although Almada’s shot was saved by Gregor Kobel, Martinez was in position to convert the rebound into an empty net, adding to Argentina’s lead.
Prior to Alvarez’s goal, Argentina had more opportunities in the first 15 minutes of extra time, but Switzerland’s defense remained resolute. Switzerland had previously played a grueling match that went to a penalty shootout against Colombia, and they once again demonstrated their defensive capabilities, holding off Argentina’s attacks for an extended period.
Refereeing controversy and player exchanges
The match was not without its moments of tension, including a notable exchange between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Portuguese referee João Pedro Pinheiro during the first half. The incident occurred when Messi, part of Argentina’s defensive wall, was instructed by Pinheiro to move back to the required distance before a Switzerland free kick. Messi took issue with the referee’s tone and gestures, demanding a respectful interaction.
Television cameras captured a further exchange after the free kick, where Messi reiterated his message to Pinheiro, stating, “Speak to me properly. Don’t disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly.” Despite the firmness of his words, Messi maintained a calm demeanor throughout the confrontation. This incident, while not resulting in disciplinary action, became a widely discussed moment in a high-stakes match for a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.
Swiss defensive effort and referee’s background
Switzerland’s 10-man defense surprised many by holding out for as long as it did, despite the eventual outcome. There was also considerable discussion surrounding an Embolo sending-off during the game, contributing to ongoing discourse about refereeing and officiating decisions in the tournament. Granit Xhaka delivered a strong free-kick for Switzerland in the 107th minute, which Argentina cleared.
João Pedro Pinheiro, the referee involved in the exchange with Messi, is 38 years old and hails from Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal. He is considered a promising referee in Europe, having debuted in Portugal’s top division in 2015 and receiving his FIFA international badge a year later. His career includes appointments in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, leading to his selection for the 2026 World Cup.
Looking ahead for Argentina
As Argentina progresses, questions have arisen about the potential fatigue of the squad after another demanding match. Some observers suggest that if Argentina were to face England in the semi-finals, and subsequently Spain or France in the final, the cumulative effect of grueling games could impact their performance. Cristian Romero was substituted for Otamendi during the match, having put in a strong performance.
Lionel Messi, despite his overall prowess, has a mixed record with penalties, having missed against Egypt and converting four out of eight attempts in his World Cup career. In the 119th minute, Messi had a shot deflected away by a Swiss defender, resulting in another corner for Argentina.
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Source: theguardian.com
